Page 37 of Love and Other Chances

After an entirely pleasant dinner with Bailey, I head home. Gina texts me an update from the soccer game—the Townsend Bobcats are winning 1-0 to start the second half. In the past, I never would have passed up a social opportunity with students, but lately, I’ve been better at occasionally saying no soI can refill my own tank.

I plop down on the couch to watch a show. Halfway through, my calendar reminds me to call my dad. Dialing his number, I turn down the volume on the TV.

“Hey, Teegan,” my dad’s booming voice answers. “How are ya?”

“Hi, Dad! I’m good. Had a busy homecoming week, but I'm watching TV and relaxing at home tonight. How’s work going?” I ask.

“Oh, nothing too interesting,” he responds. “What show are you watching? Have you seen that conspiracy theory dance show on Netflix?”

“Yes!” I exclaim, and we spend the next fifteen minutes dissecting our reactions. “Are you still going to come over for Thanksgiving dinner?” My parents’ amicable divorce has meant joint holiday celebrations some years, at least when my dad isn’t traveling to visit his extended family.

“Um, probably so,” he replies, sounding hesitant.

“Did you decide to travel this year?” I ask, unable to hide the disappointment from my voice. I was really looking forward to being with both my parents together this year, especially since Logan won’t be there.

“No, I just hadn’t fully ironed out my plans yet,” Dad says, still sounding flighty. I’m silent.

He clears his throat. “You know what—I’ll make sure I’m there.”

“Yay! Good,” I respond before changing the subject.

By the time I hang up with my dad, I have a long string of text messages on our small group thread.

BROOKS

Are we dressing in costumes since small group falls the night before Halloween?

SARAH

Lol—I couldn’t tell you the last time I dressed up in a costume!

WILL

I’m game as long as everyone dresses up. I’m not going to be the only one showing up in costume.

BROOKS

I promise not to leave you hanging

JOY

That could be fun! I’ll plan some festive Halloween snacks

CATHERINE

Nothing creepy though. I don’t like gory costumes

NATALIE

Agree. I see enough blood at work

JASON

Gross, Natalie

NATALIE

Realities of life. Particularly of bringing new life into the world

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